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Romance Studies (BA)

The major in Romance Studies is for students who wish to develop language skills and cultural awareness in three Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian) and/or Latin.

Students select a primary, secondary and tertiary language and study abroad program in their primary language. This major is unique and designed for but not limited to students who have some background in a Romance language before coming to Ohio State and enjoy learning foreign languages and understanding foreign cultures. Students quickly realize that once you know one Romance language, learning the others is relatively easy.

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Related Programs

French

There are multiple course combinations that may interest students with particular career or personal goals. For example, the culture/film option may appeal especially to International Studies majors, whereas the literature option may be a good choice for students who plan to specialize in literary studies in graduate school. (FRENCH-MN)

Italian

The minor in Italian consists of 15 hours of course work beyond 1103 or 5101. All courses are three credits unless otherwise indicated. Italian minors must take four courses taught in the Italian language. These courses must include Italian 2102 or a 3000-level course, and at least one 4000-level or above course taught in Italian. (ITALIAN-MN)

Spanish

The Spanish minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in the study of Iberian and Latin American Literatures, Cultures, and Hispanic Linguistics. The language of instruction in all Spanish classes leading to the minor will be in Spanish. (SPANISH-MN)

Portuguese

The Portuguese minor consists of a minimum of 12 credit hours. The language of instruction in all Portuguese classes leading to the minor will be in Portuguese. Students choosing to minor in Portuguese are encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities offered in cooperation with The Office of International Affairs (OIA). (PORTGES-MN)

Latin

Classics is the study of the cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans and the people they directly affected. Its major subfields include the Greek and Latin languages from the earliest records until the Middle Ages; the literary and philosophical works composed in these languages; Greek and Roman art, architecture, science and technology; and more. (LATIN-MN)

Italian

Spanish and Portuguese

The department offers MA and PhD programs in Iberian and Latin American literatures and cultures and in Hispanic linguistics. It also offers a doctoral concentration in Luso-Brazilian literatures and cultures, and minors in film studies and other exciting fields. (MA, PhD)

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Students are encouraged to enroll early in this degree program so that they can organize their studies and double major or have at least one minor. This degree demonstrates knowledge of the world, adaptability to and acceptance of cultural differences, and analytical skills. Typically, students in this major are motivated, enthusiastic and fascinated by foreign people, their customs and their languages.

Multilingualism is a valued asset on the job market. Foreign language abilities are applicable in a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. The mastery of one or more languages allows students to consider careers in government, business, banking and finance, journalism, print and electronic media, foreign correspondence, the trade and tourism industries, and education.

courses you might take:

ITALIAN 5101:
Italian for speakers of other Romance languages

Covers the same material in Italian 1101, 1102, 1103 and is designed for students with knowledge of a Romance language or Latin. Closed to native speakers of this language. Credit Hours: 5, satisfies the GE in foreign languages.

ITALIAN 5051:
Latin and the Romance Languages

Examines the socio-historical factors and the linguistic processes that contributed to the formation of the Romance languages and their divergences. Course taught in English. Credit Hours 3, required for Romance Studies major, offered every two years.

SPANISH 4538:
Language variation in Spanish

Survey of linguistic variation across the Spanish-speaking world, including geographical and social factors. Prereq: A grade of C- or above in 4430 (430) or 4430H (530H).

ITALIAN 3224:
Post-Unification Italy

An exploration of the cultural history of Italy from unification to the present day. Develops language skills through discussing visual media, literature, and pop culture. Closed to native speakers of this language. Credit Hours: 3

FRENCH 3801:
French-American Culture Wars

French-American cultural relations since World War I; an exploration of French reaction to and adoption or rejection of a number of American cultural "exports," from jazz and the GI to Coke and consumerism. Credit Hours: 3

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

ISA French Language Program

Students attend French language classes at France’s renowned Institut Catholique de Paris. Upon arrival, the institution administers a language placement test to determine your level of French. There are courses for all levels. The ISA office in Paris arranges for housing and meals through local homestays, coordinates cultural activities and field trips, and has an on-site resident director, computer lab, and small resource library.

Field School Program - Peru

Students will have the opportunity to complete an in-depth study of Peruvian themes in Anthropology, Archeology, Ethnobotany, Spanish language and Peruvian cultures. This program serves graduate and undergraduate students wishing to partake and/or complete research, undergraduate students wishing to take language courses toward their Foreign Language Requirement and other requirements in the general education course set or majors and minors in Anthropology.

SITE Internship

The SITE Program (Study, Intercultural Training and Experience) is a paid internship program for English Teaching Assistants in the schools of the Region of Lombardy, Italy. Assistants receive a monthly stipend of 700 Euros, are required to instruct/aid 12 hours in English per week, and are expected to pursue an additional 13 hours of related activities weekly.

Café +

Café+ is an informal conversation table that meets once a week to enhance French conversation skills and is located in the Crane Café on the first floor of Hagerty Hall. Café+ is open to all students wanting to work on their French, including those in individualized instruction (I.I.).

Individualized Instruction

The AT&T Individualized Language Learning Center (IILC) houses the individualized language programs of eight different languages: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish). OSU pioneered the development of individualized instruction beginning with a 1976 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Today OSU has the longest running individualized program in the country.